Japanese Katana Appreciation & Forge Tour Demonstration in Kyotango

You will hear valuable stories about why and how they chose the path of a swordsmith at a young age.

We will also pay attention to the passion of these young swordsmiths who will carry on the sword culture and look to preserve the future of Japanese swordsmanship.

While following the time reflected features in the swords, visitors will receive a detailed explanation of the roots and historical background of the Japanese katana.

This experience will look at the past, present, and future of the Japanese katana to further deepen our understanding.

You will be able to hold a real Japanese sword in your hand and appreciate it up close, one at a time.

We hope you will experience the soul that resides in each blade, not as something that hurts people, but as something that protects them, and as a source of spiritual support.

- Remove watches and jewelry, and wash and cleanse your hands.
- Bow respectfully before and after viewing the sword.
- Do not talk while viewing.

We will carefully explain the etiquette and precautions for viewing and picking up the pieces, taking your safety into consideration.

It is usually difficult to see the production process of Japanese swords. The dark and tense atmosphere will make you stand up straight. The bright red flames of the furnace, the smell of charcoal, and the sound of steel boiling will sharpen your senses and compound the atmosphere of the space.

Tamatsubushi is the process of heating the tamahagane--the raw material for katana--in a furnace and then pounding it into small pieces. The red glow of the heated tamahagane is mysterious: this is the moment when a little life is breathed into a lump of steel.